Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 2, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again. Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in): You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you...

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Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 30, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. ?Because not all of them will be worth it. Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup the costs. Connect with a local agent so you know which projects are actually worthwhile.?

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Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 29, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you. But here’s the thing you need to know about renting. While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning –...

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The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 28, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door. But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices. So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than ever – and it can make or break your sale. There’s a Real Price Disconnect...

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Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 27, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don’t know about one of its core benefits. According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below): That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage. That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program. As...

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Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 26, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, chances are you’ll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process. Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when...

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Real Estate Is Voted the Best Long-Term Investment 12 Years in a Row

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 23, 2025. Posted in Economy, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights In a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has once again been voted the best long-term investment. And it’s claimed that top spot for 12 straight years now. That’s because homeownership is one of the top ways to build your wealth, even with home price growth moderating and ongoing economic uncertainty. If you’ve been trying to decide if it makes sense to buy a home today, connect with an agent to talk about the programs that can help you become a homeowner.

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Navigating Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 23, 2025. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Wondering how to make sense of today’s housing market? You’re not alone. A lot of people are asking what’s ahead for inventory, prices, the economy, and more. You deserve answers — and that’s where your trusted local REMAX® agent comes in.

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Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why. Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether...

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Weekend Projects To Boost the Value of Your Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2025. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With the cost of just about everything going up these days — groceries, gas and utilities — you might be feeling like now just isn’t the time to take on any home projects. But remember, you don’t need to tackle a full-on renovation to make a big impact. And if you don’t know where to start or what’s worth doing, lean on your trusted REMAX® agent for advice before you get your projects started. Sometimes, small weekend projects still pack a big punch. Here are a few examples of smart, budget-friendly updates you can do in just a few days to not only make your home feel fresh and new, but...

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What Happens to the Housing Market When the Economy Slows Down?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2025. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s a lot of noise out there about what an economic slowdown could mean for the housing market. And if it leaves you feeling a little uneasy, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing. If you’re worried about what a potential recession could mean for the value of your home, or your homebuying power, your trusted REMAX® agent is here to help set the record straight. You don’t have to fear the market when you understand what the data actually shows. A Recession Doesn’t Automatically Mean Home Prices Will Fall It’s easy to assume that if the economy slows down, home prices will fall....

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Why Now Could Be the Sweet Spot for Sellers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2025. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Over the past year, a lot of people put their moving plans on hold. Affordability weakened, and it was harder to find a home in budget, especially when inventory was so low. But things are shifting in a big way. Today, a rare balance is emerging — more choices when you buy, but still strong conditions when you sell. If you stepped back from your plans last year, your trusted REMAX® agent wants you to know: the door is opening again. The only question is, will you walk through it before it closes? Inventory Is Up — And That Changes the Game Last year, the lack of options made it hard to...

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What Waiting To Buy Could Cost You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2025. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

A lot of people want to buy a home, but they feel stuck in “wait and see” mode. Maybe you’re one of them. You’re holding your breath, hoping prices will fall or rates will come back down. But while you’re waiting, the market is moving — without you. The reality is, trying to time the market rarely works. The longer you sit on the sidelines, the harder it may get to jump in later. That’s why your trusted REMAX® agent is here to share a simple but powerful truth: Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market. Prices May Continue To Go Up While You Wait Homeownership is about the long game — and...

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More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It’s Your Buying Opportunity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 21, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Maybe you’ve heard the number of homes for sale has reached a recent high. And it might make you question if this is the start of another housing market crash. But the reality is, the data proves that’s just not the case. In most areas, more inventory isn’t bad news. It’s actually a sign of the market returning to a more stable, healthy place. What’s Going on With Inventory? Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, inventory just hit its highest point since 2020, shown with the white line in the graph below. But what you need to realize is, at the same time, inventory levels still...

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What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 20, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees. While you won’t necessarily have these, you should know it’s a possibility, depending on where you decide to live. A homeowners association is basically an organization that oversees a housing community (including shared spaces) and sets and enforces rules for things like upkeep. Some buyers love the perks that come with an HOA, others may see the fees as an extra expense. The key is...

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You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 19, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life. Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still feel out of reach. But that’s where your equity could make all the difference. To give you an idea, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $311,000 worth of equity, according to Cotality (formerly...

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Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 16, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Forecasts, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Some Highlights Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you. Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate. Want to know what this could mean for your plans? Connect with a local agent and talk through it together.

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Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 15, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Selling Tips.

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?” But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead: What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now? Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years...

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Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 14, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you’re wondering: Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily. Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if...

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Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 13, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive. What Are Concessions and Incentives? When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive. A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal. An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises...

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Home Projects That Boost Value

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 12, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “. . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell.“ That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first...

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Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 9, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Once your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more. That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step. An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Connect with an agent to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out.

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